Trailer Question

[GravelyGuy]

Is it normal for the wheels of a tandem axle trailer to sit a little staggered? Like one tilted in and the other slightly tilted out? Also, I looked underneath my trailer and I noticed that both axles are not perfectly horizontal like this_____. They curve up a little.

The reason I ask is because my trailer got dominated yesterday at a construction sight when it slid off the edge of the road:cry: I will try to post some pics. It has Dexter axles if that matters.

Thanks...

[outlaw1960]

I don't think that is normal at all. My axles are straight. If my wheels tilt, I know it's time to replace the bearings.

[GravelyGuy]

You never start to notice anything like this until something happens and you have time to sit around and worry about it. The only thing that makes me think the axles are normal is they are both the exact same way. I will go out and try to get a pic, but it may not come out in the dark.

[Drew Gemma]

i am pretty sure the axels empty should bow up slightly as far as the tires and hubs rolling out on turns mine does and all have. trailers are always a nightmare

[GravelyGuy]

Here is a few pics. One from the front, one from the back, and another shot of the damage. I was able to bend the light back to its normal spot.

[GAskidsteer]

The bow that you see is called the "camber". Very noticeable on mobilehome axles, although all trailer axles should have a certain amount. The idea is that when loaded, an axle will bend down in the middle and by having this "camber" in it, it will allow the wheels to run in a vertical/plumb position causing equal wear across the tread face on the tire as well as loading equally the sidewalls. Hope this helps.

[DLCS]

Your fine. Exactly what the above poster said is 100% correct. The stagger in the wheels is probably from a little binding when turning. They should be somewhat inline as you are going straight and not just coming out of a turn.

[easycareacres]

I have same issue tanden wheels twist etc on turns. Bit scary on real tight turns as feel my wheel nuts are going to pop off. They been doing this for past 3 and half years and have to reqular tighten wheel nuts up.

[outlaw1960]

Those look right, my trailer is always loaded so I guess I never noticed it (the bow) before. Is that a Big Tex? I have a 70TV that looks just like that.

[GravelyGuy]

Those look right, my trailer is always loaded so I guess I never noticed it (the bow) before. Is that a Big Tex? I have a 70TV that looks just like that.

Yeah it is a 70TV. How much did you pay for your if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks for the help, I'm glad it's normal.

[outlaw1960]

I bought mine used, 1600.00 trailers are expensive here. Going to Oklahoma this weekend to look at some enclosed trailers. They are inexpensive there, hope to line one up for spring. Hope your trailer didn't suffer any serious damage. outlaw

[outlaw1960]

I bought this trailer 2 years ago for 1600.00, trailers are expensive in the Denver area. I hope your trailer is ok, the Big Tex trailers are tanks....

[GravelyGuy]

They seem to be kind of expensive around here also. I paid like $2400 for mine new so you did good. I am really impressed with the way this trailer is built compared to others in this area. I am pretty confident that I have the best you can get in this area unless you build your own. Man I wish I had the shop and resources to do things like that myself.

[justmow&trim]

I have a 1992 doolittle 16' landscape trailer 7000lb., also use it for hauling cars to. this year i stripped off all the lights and wiring, put all the wiring in conduit and junction boxes at each light. all of the lights are leds, it was alot of work but i think its worth it. heavy duty wire for brakes ran down the middle with no protection. my rear gate has a section on the drivers side thats rotted out, about eight inches or so, also noticed the axles are really rusty, probably needing replacement in a year or two, picked up 2 1/2" round lites for the tailboard, they have running and brake lites, and yes up here in ny the county and state are starting to go after pickup trailer combinations, one thing they do is pull your breakaway switch out to see if its hooked up.
greg

[deere-man]

Since the season is winding down I would definately check my bearings if you havent looked at them this year.